NDP leader Claudia Chender discusses health, housing during Cape Breton trip

SYDNEY – Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender is touring CBRM and Western Cape Breton this week to speak with residents about issues affecting the Island like health care, housing and the cost of living.

The Cape Breton Regional Hospital has the longest emergency department wait times in the province.

“We are constantly hearing from Nova Scotians about the challenges of accessing health care, and Cape Breton is no different. The number of Cape Bretoners without a family doctor or primary health care provider continues to rise, and emergency rooms are filling up as a result,” said Chender. “We need to focus on attaching Cape Bretoners to primary care so that they have a primary care provider who knows them and their medical history.”

Cape Breton also has among the highest child poverty rates in the province and many families are struggling to afford the basics like housing, groceries and power.

“Every Nova Scotian deserves a home they can afford. And we know that Cape Bretoners are struggling with the rising cost of living and a lack of affordable housing options,” said Chender. “Families deserve a break. The Houston government must do better and focus on building more housing that people can afford, reining in Nova Scotia Power, and improving social supports to address rising poverty and homelessness.”

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